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Tag: ODM Leader Raila Odinga

  • DP Kindiki lauds broad-based government for national unity, development  

    DP Kindiki lauds broad-based government for national unity, development  

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the broad-based government for ensuring development in every part of the country.

    Prof. Kindiki said the cooperation between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is aimed at building the nation without any forms of discrimination.

    The Deputy President spoke on Friday during Muhoroni Economic Empowerment for women, youth and people with disabilities at Midika Grounds, Muhoroni Constituency, Kisumu County.

    “All of us in the broad-based government led by President William Ruto will ensure every part of the country including Kisumu and Nyanza region benefits from development. There is no room for discrimination anymore,” he said.

    While praising Odinga for sacrificing his interests for the good of the nation, he said he will always be respected for his belief in the country’s unity and development.

    “Raila has cast aside own interests in favour of a better nation. We respect him for what he has done for our country. He has made sure his own interests don’t supersede the nation’s,” DP added.

    Since the broad-based government came in place, several projects have been realized in the region including revival of the sugar factories, revival of stalled roads, expansion of electricity connection, initiation of affordable housing program, construction of fish landing sites and empowerment of beach management units.

    “President Ruto decided that after elections all Kenyans deserve development because no government is elected to serve a community or a section of the country. It serves all Kenyans equally,” he reiterated.

    Presently, the main sugar millers in Nyanza—Muhoroni, Sony and Chemelil-are being revamped under a public-private partnership geared at improving their capacity, management and returns for farmers.

    This has been achieved, DP stated, through the support and cooperation of local leaders and farmers.

    “We want to make sure farmers are paid well and they receive their pay on time. At the end of the year, they will also be eligible to receive bonuses like tea, coffee and pyrethrum farmers,” he affirmed.

    The construction of 52km Mamboleo-Miwani-Muhoroni-Chemelil Road has also commenced following years of delay owing to financial constraints.

    Also, 17 modern markets are underway in the county.

    Under the affordable housing program, Kisumu has benefitted from units at Lumumba Estate as well as hostels for Kisumu National Polytechnic, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga KMTC and Muhoroni Technical Institute among many.

    “This is the reason we are saying two terms. Two terms to complete revival of sugar factories, two terms of better healthcare systems, two terms of more affordable houses, roads and electricity expansion,” Prof. Kindiki noted.

    The DP also applauded the residents for registering in numbers for SHA health coverage telling them the government’s interest in ensuring its efficiency.

     

     

  • Barasa urges gov’t to pardon youth arrested during protests, allow dialogue

    Barasa urges gov’t to pardon youth arrested during protests, allow dialogue

    Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on the national government to pardon youth who participated in the recent nationwide protests.

    Barasa urged authorities to facilitate the release of those detained in police cells and to provide bail for those already charged in court.

    He further appealed to county governments to waive hospital bills for youth receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the demonstrations.

    “I want to request the national government and security agencies to release the youth in custody. The government should also waive hospital bills for those injured so that they can fully participate in national dialogue. It is only through dialogue that we can address the issues affecting our country,” he said.

    Speaking at the county headquarters, Governor Barasa backed ODM Leader Raila Odinga’s call for a national conclave to address youth concerns and promote national healing.

    “I support my party leader Raila Odinga’s call for a generational conclave to create room for constructive dialogue with the youth,” he stated.

    The governor also urged young people to uphold respect and refrain from abusing national and county leaders.

    “It is important that we have this dialogue, as a county government, we are going to continuously engage our youths so that we can address their problems which include unemployment,” he noted.

  • Ruto, Raila allies slam Ex-DP Gachagua over ‘cowardice’ in deadly Saba Saba protests

    Ruto, Raila allies slam Ex-DP Gachagua over ‘cowardice’ in deadly Saba Saba protests

    Allies of President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have turned their guns on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of cowardice and fleeing responsibility over last Monday’s deadly Saba Saba protests.

    Led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the leaders dismissed Gachagua’s trip to the United States as a deliberate ploy to dodge blame for the chaos and destruction that left several dead and property worth hundreds of millions in ruins.

    Speaking at a Women Empowerment Programme in Uashi Gishu County, Speaker Wetang’ula faulted leaders who, he said, incited the Generation Z to join the protests but were conspicuously absent when violence erupted.

    This, even as the Speaker cautioned young people against being used to build the profiles of politicians who had no plan to change their lives.

    “Young people, the leaders who urged you to demonstrate, did you see them on the streets? Did you see their children there? Their children are studying abroad, yet someone here tells you to go and protest,” said Wetang’ula, urging the youth not to allow themselves to be used to advance political careers.

    He added: “Saba Saba originally gave rise to multiparty democracy and eventually the 2010 Constitution. Why did we have protests this time?”

    “You will not become the President of Kenya by revolving around just one mountain; you must reach out and connect with all regions,” he said.

    Taking cue from Speaker Wetang’ula, other leaders present also took turns to criticise Gachagua, among them East African Community (EAC) Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Caroline Karugu, who comes from his Nyeri County backyard.

    She said the region had moved on and now firmly supported President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

    “He was given a job which he abandoned. Will you allow someone who deserted his responsibility to distract the President? Let him show if he still has support,” said Dr. Karugu.

    The leaders vowed they would not allow anyone “seeking power through the back door” to plunge the country into chaos.

    “Rigathi Gachagua, you are impatient. After just one term as MP, you went for Deputy President. Then you became rebellious, so don’t blame the President for your troubles,” said Elgeyo Marakwet County MP Caroline Ng’elechei.

    Former Agriculture CS and Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, weighing in, urged Kikuyus living outside Mt Kenya to protect the peace they are enjoying today.

    “Kikuyus live all over the country. As Kikuyus in the diaspora, our cash crop is peace. When I hear Gachagua talk about violence, it worries me. Rigathi must remember: ‘Moto huzaa jivu’ fire leaves only ashes,” said Kiunjuri.

    Farouk Kibet, an aide to President Ruto, hinted at a new alliance in the offing within the Broad-based coalition and warned Uasin Gishu residents against joining any planned protests.

    “I’m sounding a warning: we do not want protests in Eldoret. Eldoret is a peaceful town, and we won’t allow a few elements to destroy the peace we’ve fought so hard to keep,” Kibet said.

  • Road to AU: Raila says he’s ready for the continental assignment

    Road to AU: Raila says he’s ready for the continental assignment

    ODM Leader Raila Odinga says his journey to Africa’s top seat in Addis Ababa has began with endorsement from the leaders of the East African Community countries.

    He says he is ready for the new role of making continent of Africa great.

    Speaking at Marani town in Kitutu Chache North Constituency of Kisii County when he officially opened the Marani Town Aggregation and Marketing Centre Thursday, Mr. Odinga said he is confident that African governments will support his bid for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) saying he had began seeing positive indications.

    “On Monday I met Presidents Museveni (Uganda) and Ruto (Kenya) and sought their support for the bid. They both agreed to vote for me”, he said amid cheers from the crowd that had attended the event.

    “Infact President Museveni said he will be the one who will propose me for the job”, he added.

    He said next week he will fly to Kigali, Rwanda for a meeting with President Paul Kagame in which he will be seeking his support and that of his government.

    “I have spoken to President Salva Kirr (South Sudan) and he has agreed to support me. Even Mama Suluhu (Tanzania) has said she will be supporting me”, he said.

    He also disclosed that he had had a conversation with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa whom he said has promised to vote for him for the job.

    “I will speak with all the leaders on the continent to seek their support. I am ready for the battle and whoever will also bid for the same position, I am ready”, he said.

    He however said by going to Addis Ababa, it doesn’t mean that he was going to be away from the country. He said will be available whenever he is needed to help on matters and issues affecting Kenyans.

    “I am not going anywhere. Don’t get worried my countrymen and women. I will be here with you. The flight from Addis Ababa to Nairobi is just two hours away and I shall be at your doorstep” he said.

    The Governor of Kisii Mr. Simba Arati said he was in support of Hon. Odinga’s idea to go and help the continent achieve its dream of a one United continent in terms of development, economic and infrastructural growth.

    “Baba, we are supporting you and urge everyone to do it with an open heart not just because they fear your presence in the country. Let everyone support your bid and we shall all be happy”, he said.

    His Migori Counterpart Mr. Ochilo Ayacko said it will be an honour for the East African Region is Hon. Odinga was elected to the Africa’s top position.

    “A win for Baba at the Continental level will be victory for our region (EAC) and the entire continent. He is upto to the task and he will deliver”, he said.

    Deputy Party Leader of the ODM party urged Kenyans not to be worried by Mr. Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship saying he will continue championing for their rights and ensure good governance and accountability for the people of Kenya.

    Other leaders present included Legislators Mr. Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache-South) his Nyaribari Masaba counterpart Dr. Daniel Manduku and Mr. Nofalson Barongo (Bomachoge-Borabu).

    Mr. Odinga also opened similar aggregation markets in Magena in Bomachoge-Borabu Constituency and Daraja Mbili in Kitutu Chache-South constituency.

  • CS Jumwa meets Raila on two thirds gender rule

    CS Jumwa meets Raila on two thirds gender rule

    Gender Culture, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa on Tuesday met ODM leader Raila Odinga at his Capital Hill office to deliberate on a working formula to achieving the two thirds gender principle.

    The CS who was accompanied by the multi sectoral working group on the realization of the not more than two thirds gender principle sought the input of Raila on the discourse.

    On 9th December 2022, the President submitted a Memorandum to National Parliament requesting it to consider a constitutional amendment to enact the not more than two-thirds gender principle.

    It is against this background and in the spirit of fully implementing the Constitution of Kenya (2010) on the two thirds gender principle that the Multi Sectoral Working Group – MSWG comprising of state and non-state actors was established.

    The Working Group has carried out desk reviews on legislative proposals on gender quotas nationally and internationally, engaged various stakeholders and members of the public throughout the country.

    It has also held consultative meetings with the National Dialogue Committee and presented proposals on the framework to implement the two thirds gender principle in line with the NADCO’s mandate under their issues of concern to Kenyans.

    The MSWG has since fulfilled its mandate and developed a framework for the implementation of the not more than two thirds gender principle.

    The MSWG has prepared a report detailing the considerations made in arriving at the proposed framework.

  • Raila to give opinion on National Dialogue report Thursday

    Raila to give opinion on National Dialogue report Thursday

    ODM Leader Raila Odinga says he will give his direction on the report of the just concluded National Dialogue this Thursday after a meeting with Azimio Leadership including the coalition’s parliamentary group. 

    He says the report will be studied and members of the coalition given a chance to discuss it before a resolution is made.

    Speaking in Nyamira town Monday, Odinga said Kenyans are eager to know what is contained in the report and the position of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition hence the need for thorough scrutiny of the report.

    He urged supporters of the coalition and Kenyans in general to give him until Thursday to know his position on the report.

    The Azimio leader said the credibility of national examination in Kenya is on trial under the Kenya Kwanza administration. He says, the marking of the exam is skewed and only aimed at achieving a particular political goal.

    Mr. Odinga questioned why in some schools, candidates in the 2023 KCPE examination scored same marks in one subject saying this was killing the credibility of national examination and undermining the integrity of candidates.

    He accused the Ministry of Education of abetting and condoning cheating in National Examination. He said examination cheating had been brought to an end by former CS for Education the late Prof.  George Magoha and the systems put in place to stop the vice had been brought down by the current regime.

    Mr. Odinga who presided over the launch of the ODM Membership recruitment drive in Nyamira and Kisimu urged young Kenyans to apply for National Identity Cards if they want to participate in the next general election to help fix the mess that has been brought about by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

    The ODM National Vice Chairman Mr. Simba Arati decried the increasing cases of insecurity in Kisii which he attributed to complacency by the security apparatus in the county. He said, some local politicians were working closely with the senior police officers in the county to commit criminal offenses hence making the lives of the locals especially the youth more insecure.

    Mr. Arati claimed that some boda boda operators had been killed by people be claimed were close allies of some local politicians who work closely with the local police.

    He said those attacked are youths who work tirelessly to make ends meet but their only mistake is their association with him (Arati).

    He claimed that the government was undermining his work in Kisii by frustrating every effort he makes to improve the lives of the people of Kisii County.

    He accused some local politicians of working with officials of the national government to create chaise in Kisii County but vowed not to be coerced into submission.

    He said as the Vice Chairman of the ODM party, he will work round the clock to popularize the party in the two Gusii Counties of Kisii and Nyamira.

    Other leaders who addressed the rally included the Senator of Nyamira Dr. Okongo Omogeni, MPs Clive Gisairo (North Mugirango), Patrick Osero (Borabu) and Irene Nyakerario (Nominated) as well as ODM National Treasurer Mr. Tim Bosire.

    Later in the afternoon Mr. Odinga addressed another rally in Kisumu town where he also launched the party membership recruitment drive.